How to Handle a Bad Boss

Have you ever had a bad boss? If you're having a tough time dealing with your supervisor, you may feel like walking out. That may not be the smartest option, especially if you have bills to pay. However, you don't have to just sit back and take the abuse. Career counselor Teresa Daly says there are some ways to hopefully improve the problem:

Have an Honest Discussion

Ask your boss to sit down for a meeting. Find out what's expected of you and what he needs from you. Talk about how you can meet those expectations. "Say things like ‘You and I don't always see eye to eye, but what do we need to do? What can I do to work better with you?'" says Daly. Getting feedback may be all you need.

Keep Records

The next time you have a negative interaction, make sure to write it down:

>>When did it happen?
>>Where were you at the time?
>>What did your boss say to you?
>>How did you respond?
>>What happened next?

Stay Cool

Make sure you always stay in control. Losing control will make you look bad and may appear like you're challenging your supervisor's authority.

Get Help

You may also want to look to a coworker or mentor for some coaching. That person may be able to offer you some feedback or insight into how the boss operates.

Over His Head

If the problem is extreme, you may have to talk to your boss's boss. This may include situations where you're cursed at, threatened, or harassed.

STRESS TEST

Is your job making you sick to your stomach? Is your boss putting you over-the-edge? A combination of your job and your personal life may be stressing you out. Take our stress test to see if you're overstressed.

Think about the last twelve months of your life. If any of the events listed below have happened to you, take note of the points. Then, add up your score.

1	Death of a Souse	100 points
2	Divorce	60 Points
3	Menopause	60 Points
4	Separation from a living partner	60 Points
5	Jail term or probation	60 Points
6	Death of a close family member	60 Points
7	Serious personal injury or illness	45 Points
8	Marriage	45 Points
9	Fired at work	45 Points
10	Relationship reconciliation	40 Points
11	Retirement	40 Points
12	Health change of close family member	40 points
13	More work than 40 hours a week	35 Points
14	Pregnancy	35 Points
15	Sexual difficulties	35 Points
16	Gain of a new family member	35 Points
17	Work role change	35 Points
18	Change in financial state	35 Points
19	Death of a close friend	30 Points
20	More arguments with spouse	30 Points
21	Taking out a mortgage or big loan	25 Points
22	Foreclosure of mortgage or loan	25 Points
23	Sleep less than 8 hours per night	25 Points
24	Change in responsibilities at work	25 Points
25	Trouble with in-laws or children	25 Points
26	Outstanding personal achievement	25 Points
27	Spouse begins or stops work	20 Points
28	Begin or end school	20 Points
29	Change in living conditions	20 Points
30	Change in diet (food, smoking)	20 Points
31	Chronic allergies	20 Points
32	Trouble with boss	20 Points
33	Change in work hours or conditions	15 Points
34	Moving to a new residence	15 Points
35	Presently in pre-menstrual period	15 Points
36	Change in schools	15 Points
37	Change in religious activities	15 Points
38	Minor financial loan	10 Points
39	More of less family get-togethers	10 Points
40	Vacation	10 Points
41	Minor violation of the law	5 Points

The Results

If you scored 250 points or greater, you may be overstressed. People with low stress tolerance may be overstressed at levels as low as 150 points.

Did You Know?

According to stress management expert, Dr. Ellen Dunn, PhD, more than 60 percent of American workers say they end the day with stress related pain.

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